Grey vote key in deciding outcome of independence

The “grey vote” might swing the result of the Scottish independence referendum in favour of staying in the United Kingdom, a poll suggests.

The survey of almost 11,000 people aged over 50 in Britain put support for the Union at 48 per cent while 25 per cent backed independence and 27 per cent were either yet to make up their mind or did not know.

A Scottish sample of almost 800 people showed 36 per cent for independence but 56 per cent for the Union. Across English regions, 28 per cent approved of independence while 48% backed the Union.

The results were published on the day Prime Minister David Cameron travelled to Edinburgh to make a speech defending the Union.

Paul Green, a spokesman for Saga, said older people are more likely to vote and appear more attached to the three-centuries old political union of Scotland and England.

He said: “Something similar seems to be going on - an age effect of more attachment to the Union.

“So, while the Scots are more in favour of independence than the English in the over 50s age range, we have got more positively disapproving too.

“The Scots seem more polarised on this issue. There are relatively fewer fence sitters. In fact, the grey vote may decide it.”

First Minister Alex Salmond wants to extend the franchise of the referendum in 2014 to 16 and 17-year-olds.

The Saga Populus poll covered 10,864 Saga customers between 25 January and 1 February, asking to what extent they approve or disapprove of Scotland becoming independent.

The most opposition to independence came among the older age ranges.

Support for the Union rose from 36 per cent of people aged 50-54 to 62 per cent of people aged over 75.

Just 12 per cent of people over 50 in Northern Ireland and 17 per cent in Wales back Scottish independence, the poll suggests.